Planning for nine new Mayo social houses approved

PART 8 planning applications for nine new social homes in Kilmaine and Irishtown have been approved by local councillors.

Five new houses are to be built at Riverside Close in Kilmaine, with four units at Drymill Lawns in Irishtown. The Irishtown project is part of what was an affordable housing scheme completed around 15 years ago.

They were welcomed by councillors at a municipal meeting to meet demand for housing in these areas, while providing a boost for the local schools, shops and services.

Councillor Alma Gallagher said Irishtown is a great model of intergenerational living, and she hoped this will be a catalyst for further development in the village, such as lighting and traffic calming.

The Kilmaine project is a further boost to housing in south Mayo, following the opening of a scheme in Cross and sod turning on projects in Ballinrobe.

Tribute was paid to director of services Tom Gilligan and his team in housing for their work in delivering for the county.

Mr. Gilligan is taking up a new portfolio as director. His hands-on approach to helping people who found themselves in difficulty was noted, meeting families to try and resolve their housing problems, and he was thanked for his help and compassion.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme